Grinding sound while breaking when running at low speed, what could be the problem of my car?
June 2nd, 2008 | by DistanceRunner |Erl asked:
I have a toyota highlander 2004. I can hear some grinding sound when breaking or trying to stop while running at low speed but not while running at high speed. It appears that break pads are not the problem as their remaining thickness in my last maintenance service is still around 40%. Is this normal or what could possibly the problem of my car?
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I have a toyota highlander 2004. I can hear some grinding sound when breaking or trying to stop while running at low speed but not while running at high speed. It appears that break pads are not the problem as their remaining thickness in my last maintenance service is still around 40%. Is this normal or what could possibly the problem of my car?
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9 Responses to “Grinding sound while breaking when running at low speed, what could be the problem of my car?”
By jaboyak on Jun 3, 2008 | Reply
It is your brakes. There is nothing else that can cause that problem. If you change your pads and rotors, the sound will go away.
By jeff a on Jun 3, 2008 | Reply
break pads are worn down to the metal backing plate, better get’m done or find a buddy to help ya
By G Y on Jun 5, 2008 | Reply
Even when brake pads are still good, usage causes them to damage with heat and brake demands by the driver. Dust and other particles can cause interference and cause squeaks. Having the brake pads sanded down a little and the rotors lightly resurfaced can definitely solve your problem.
By sstawicki41 on Jun 8, 2008 | Reply
Perhaps it’s the rotors? Calipers?
Good luck and hopes for a cheap repair bill
By happywjc on Jun 10, 2008 | Reply
find a better brake mechanic!!! you’re in danger of a crash!!
By demonslayer85338 on Jun 13, 2008 | Reply
Could be your pads have worn down a lot since your last maintenance service check or it could be the rotors are going bad. In either case, you might want to get your brakes checked out because that is something you DON’T want to just wait to see if it goes away.
By ahanix1989 on Jun 14, 2008 | Reply
Don’t assume the brake pads are fine unless you physically remove them — I had pads that looked just fine when still in the caliper — Pulled them out, and on one the bottom half of the brake pad had completely shattered free, and the metal pins were grinding into my rotor.
Get it inspected by a certified tech as soon as possible — it could make the difference between a $15 rotor turn, and a $150 rotor replacement.
By Spoons on Jun 17, 2008 | Reply
It doesn’t sound like you metal-to-metal yet. If you have 40% left on your pads it is most likely your rotors and calipers. But make sure and have your pads inspected with the tires off. Although if your rotors are warped then it can cause the condition your describing. At high speeds it wont do it because the warped section of the rotor is rotating so quickly, but at lower speeds it is causing an excess of backpressure on the caliper and cause a grinding noise that sounds like metal to metal but isnt. Have you brakes checked and when you do, get new rotors, dont have them “Cut” (resurfaced) as this will hinder the proper amount of heat dissipation necassary to cool the rotor. The thinner the rotor, the hotter it gets. Good Luck.
By Jack V on Jun 17, 2008 | Reply
It definitely sounds like your pads are gone even though you had 40% last service depending on your driving habits they could be gone however the brakes can accumulate debris on the pads and rotors this was fairly common on volvos when I worked service. we would take the vehicle out on a secluded road get to a speed of about 50 mph and lock up the brakes you would do this3 to 4 times and the noise would go away. remember this is only if you are sure the brake pads are still in good shape and not to the rivets yet. Good luck